Spring 2026

The Carmel Art Festival will return to Devendorf Park in May. Last year’s second place winner, Paul Kratter, is pictured with Hella Rothwell and Mayor Byrne. A group of Carmel-by-the-Sea art gallery owners banded together to found the Carmel Art Festival in 1993 as a homage to the legacy of the bohemian artists that colonized the village in the early 20th century. Real estate broker Hella Rothwell has taken a leadership role in the event since 2017. “Although not affiliated with the Carmel Art Association, our first festivals were held in their building,” she says. “Attendance outgrew the venue, and we moved to Devendorf Park.” The festival is a juried event celebrating “plein air” artists, literally those who paint outdoors in natural light, typically featuring landscapes. “This year, in addition to the participation of 64 artists, we are adding workshops and demonstrations, giving the public a better understanding of what it means to paint ‘en plein air,’” Rothwell says. The festival kicks off on Friday, May 15, at Devendorf Park, when each participant presents two paintings (painted over the two prior days) for judging. An awards ceremony takes place in the afternoon followed by an evening VIP gala event with wine, food and live music. Saturday is the popular Quick Draw competition on Mission Street, and throughout the weekend, the park features an exhibition of paintings for sale that were created during the festival. For more information and gala tickets, visit www.carmelartfestivalcalifornia.com . Carmel Ar t Festival Features Dozens of Fine Ar tists B Y M I CHA E L CHAT F I E LD SHORT CUTS ART 76 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • S P R I N G 2 0 2 6 Photo: DMT Imaging